It seems that IoT developments increase the digital “surface area” on which hackers can “canvas”— very much like sneak-thieves might canvas a target— before determining where to penetrate. It’s a hacker’s paradise. There are currently around 8.4 billion IoT devices in the world including smartphones, which make up under half that figure. That is a lot of hacking surface area.

It’s likely there will never be a tried and true fix against all areas of penetration made possible via the IoT. There’s no silver bullet for this werewolf. However, the reason IoT has expanded as much as it has— and continues to expand— is because of the advantages in cost-effectiveness which it implements. Production can be optimized. Employee time usage and patterns can be analyzed to identify and curtail redundancies. Supply routes can have the fat cut from them, facilitating closer energy management and increased equipment retention while cutting delivery costs. There are billions to be saved through IoT, and so many are willing to accept the possible losses which may accrue from cybercrime.

However, it turns out there are some truly game-changing developments surfacing right now which have been designed to help secure IoT solutions against intrusion. IoT is necessary for competitiveness in today’s day and age, so think of IoT security options like compulsory insurance for the vehicle of your MSP. Several new solutions include:

Innovations in IoT Network Security

IoT Authentication Solutions

Optimized Encryption Of IoT

Security Analytics For IoT

Network Security Innovations For The IoT

MSP technology today is capable of employing IoT security across an expanded network in a way which includes endpoint security features like antimalware or antivirus solutions. Intrusion is prevented and detected through analytical monitoring of operation and identification of “unique” behavior across the system. At the very least, you’ll want this kind of security for your MSP.

IoT Authentication

With this, you can ensure a given IoT device is properly authenticated before any access is granted to the network. This can be used on an individual basis, but it’s also possible— and it must be possible considering the numbers involved— to manage multiple users. Management methods include traditional passwords or pin numbers, they expand into authentication requiring two factors, then into digital certificates, and finally biometric identification solutions. Much of this is of the machine-to-machine variety when it comes to the method by which authentication is done. This can save time for your MSP while securing your and client networks.

IoT Encryption

Greater encryption protocols are defining IoT and are very necessary. It’s not enough to encrypt files while data is “resting.” neither is it enough to encrypt files while data is “traveling.” Encryption must be continuous during both situations. As yet there is no standard due to the exceptionally vast number of device protocols in current operation. The best advice would be to find common IoT protocols and align your encryption accordingly.

Security Analytics for IoT

There’s a lot of information generated via IoT solutions. This is the chief advantage of IoT innovation: it provides data which can be analyzed to optimize business. Additionally, IoT technology increases convenience through consolidation of device manipulation onto a single network usable via smartphone, tablet, or whatever is convenient. As analyzing operations streamline day-to-day business, analyzing security trends can likewise expand security effectiveness. Ensure you manage security data through IoT properly; if it’s too much of an internal task, source vendors.

Safeguarding your MSP

MSP technology featuring IoT solutions is in high demand, and all signs indicate that demand will increase. There is no standard protection, so secure your IoT solutions as comprehensively as possible.

Jason Schmitt, founder and CEO of Technology Resource Advisors, Inc., graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bradley University in 1995 with a degree in Business Management. His IT industry experience includes 20+ years in IT Consulting in Milwaukee a consultative role for Private and Public sector clients. Always in search of ways to improve the client's IT Support experience in Milwaukee, Jason is active in several industry managed IT services Milwaukee groups in and IT Services Milwaukee business peer groups. Jason is responsible for Vision, Strategy, and Market Development at Technology Resource Advisors, Inc.